The Agency of Education will, when funding is available, help distribute grant funding, professional development, and technical assistance to support comprehensive substance abuse prevention efforts in Vermont schools. Schools implement curricula, policies, peer leadership, intervention and referral services to promote student resiliency and reduce risky behaviors.
Substance Abuse Prevention
Substance Abuse Prevention in Schools
Comprehensive, School-based Alcohol and Drug Prevention - Recommended elements for school-based substance abuse prevention from the Vermont Department of Health and Agency of Education.
Resources
Blueprints Matrix: An evidence-based program list
National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA)’s “Preventing Drug Abuse Among Children and Adolescents”
Agency of Education Guidance for Selecting Evidence Based Substance Prevention Curricula
Vermont Department of Health Vaping and E-Cigarette Resource Page
Vermont Department of Health Tobacco Control Program Addressing Vaping in Vermont Schools Toolkit
Stanford University Vaping Prevention Curricula (Free) - Elementary, Middle and High School
Prevention Works Vermont Educator Resources for Substance Prevention
Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Every two years, the Vermont Department of Health and the Agency of Education sponsor the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Please visit Department of Health’s YRBS page to see the full reports for both middle and high school grades, along with supervisory-union specific reports and much more. Of particular relevance to substance abuse prevention are the following 2017 YRBS Data Briefs: Marijuana Use and Frequency of Electronic Vapor Use and Other Risk Behaviors Among High School Students.
Tobacco Grant
The FY25 Nicotine and Substance Use Prevention Grant competition is complete and the AOE is pleased to announce that the following 16 LEAs will receive awards to support the following strategies outlined in the grant: curriculum, school health policy, cessation, youth engagement and family engagement:
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Barre UUSD
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Burlington SD
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Caledonia Central SU
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Essex North SU
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Franklin Northeast SU
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Harwood UUSD
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Kingdom East SD
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North Country SU
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Rutland City SD
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St. Johnsbury SD
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Southwest Vermont SU
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Windham Central SU
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Windham Northeast SU
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Windham Southeast SU
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Windham Southwest SU
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Windsor Central SU
For current grantees: access the Grants Management System (GMS) and email the Help Desk at aoe.gmshelp@vermont.gov.
Substance Abuse Prevention: Helpful Links
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)’s Preventing Drug Abuse among Children and Adolescents and NIDA’s Substance Abuse Prevention for Early Childhood
These publications provide an excellent overview of the risk and protective factors for children, from prenatal through late adolescence, and the corresponding best practices in prevention. This includes important guidance regarding developmentally appropriate practices and the importance of having a prevention program in place starting in early childhood education, rather than only in middle/high school.
VT Department of Health Resources
The Vermont Department of Health is responsible for an array of public health campaigns, advising, community and school-based grants, data collection, and other forms of substance prevention. This website provides some links to the work they do.
Prevention Works! VT
Prevention Works! VT supports the statewide network of community-based prevention coalitions. On their website you can find more information about the coalitions near you as well as policy updates and other statewide prevention news and support. Community coalitions are excellent partners for schools in carrying out prevention work.
Center for Disease Control (CDC)'s substance abuse prevention resources
Here you can find resources and information on prevention work at the national level.